N.H. Admin. Code § Lab 1403.32 - Ladders

The employer shall ensure compliance with the following requirements:

(a) Fixed ladders shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Rungs shall have a minimum diameter of 3/4 inch, if metal, or 1-1/8 inches, if wood;

(2) Rungs shall be a minimum of 16 inches in length and be spaced uniformly no more than 12 inches apart;

(3) Cages, wells, or safety devices, such as fall prevention systems for ladders shall be provided on all ladders more than 20 feet in length;

(4) Landing platforms shall be provided each 30 feet of travel, where cages are provided. Where no cage is provided, landing platforms shall be provided for every 20 feet of travel;

(5) Tops of cages on fixed ladders shall extend at least 42 inches above top of landing. The bottom of the cage shall be not less than 7 feet or more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder; and

(6) Side rails shall extend 3-1/2 feet above the landing.

(b) Portable ladders shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Stepladders shall be equipped with a metal spreader or locking device of sufficient size and strength to securely hold the front and back sections in the open position;

(2) Ladders shall be inspected prior to use and those which have developed defects shall:

a.Be withdrawn from service for repair or destruction; and

b.Be tagged or marked as "Dangerous, Do Not Use";

(3) Ladders that are not self-supporting shall be erected on a sound base at a 4/1 pitch and placed to prevent slipping;

(4) The side rails of a ladder used to gain access to a roof or platform shall extend at least 3 feet above the landing;

(5) Portable metal ladders shall not be used for electrical work or where they might contact electrical conductors; and

(6) Portable ladders shall be safely secured when not in use.

Notes

N.H. Admin. Code § Lab 1403.32

#4118 eff 8-22-86, EXPIRED: 8-22-92

New. #6684, eff 2-4-98, EXPIRED: 2-4-06

New. #8606, INTERIM, eff 4-12-06, EXPIRED: 10-09-06 (formerly Lab 1403.45)

New. #8796, eff 1-11-07

Amended and Renumbered from Lab 1403.30 by Volume XXXV Number 18, Filed May 7, 2015 , Proposed by #10809, Effective 4/9/2015, Expires4/9/2015.